Onyx River facts for kids
The Onyx River is a special river in Antarctica. It's a stream formed from melting ice. This river flows west through a place called the Wright Valley. It runs from the Wright Lower Glacier all the way to Lake Vanda.
The Onyx River is very important. Scientists from the US Antarctic Program, which is part of the National Science Foundation, study this river. It is the longest river in all of Antarctica, stretching for 32 kilometers.
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What is the Onyx River?
The Onyx River is unique because it's a meltwater stream. This means it forms when ice and snow melt, usually during the short Antarctic summer. It doesn't flow all year round.
Where is the Onyx River located?
This river is found in a dry, cold area of Antarctica called the McMurdo Dry Valleys. It flows through the Wright Valley, which is one of these dry valleys. The river starts near the Wright Lower Glacier and ends at Lake Vanda.
How long is the Onyx River?
The Onyx River is about 32 kilometers long. This makes it the longest river on the entire continent of Antarctica. Even though it's long, it's not very wide or deep.
Why is the Onyx River important to science?
Scientists are very interested in the Onyx River. It's a key site for the US Antarctic Program. They study the river to understand how meltwater streams work in extreme cold environments.
What do scientists study at the Onyx River?
Researchers look at many things in and around the Onyx River. They study the water quality, the tiny living things (microbes) that can survive there, and how the river changes with the seasons. This helps them learn about life in harsh conditions and how climate change might affect Antarctica.
See also
- In Spanish: Río Onyx para niños
